Vote for Real Bedford’s September 2026 Player of the Month

Real Bedford continued their perfect start to the Southern League Premier Central campaign in September, collecting another nine points with victories over Redditch United, Stourbridge and Leiston. 

The Pirates also progressed through two rounds of the FA Cup, beating Royston Town and Harleston Town.

Four players have been shortlisted for our September Player of the Month award: Josh Allen, Craig King, Drew Richardson and Ben Stevens.

Josh Allen

Allen scored in all three of the Pirates’ September league victories, delivering the equaliser against Redditch United, the goal that put Real Bedford ahead at Stourbridge and the dramatic late winner against Leiston.

His contribution extended beyond those decisive finishes. Against Redditch, he threatened a second goal with an excellent first touch and a shot just wide, while at Stourbridge he repeatedly tested the goalkeeper as the Pirates pushed to extend their advantage. He also created an opening for Jack Morrell against Leiston before converting his stoppage-time penalty to secure a 3-2 victory. 

Allen carried that attacking threat into the FA Cup, breaking clear and seeing two efforts blocked at Harleston Town. Across the month, his ability to find chances and deliver under pressure helped the Pirates maintain their perfect league record. 

Craig King

King made important contributions throughout September, producing saves that kept the Pirates in games and protected their advantage in both league and cup competition.

He denied Tyler Bruck with Real Bedford trailing against Redditch United and made an excellent stop with the scores level at Stourbridge. His standout league performance came against Leiston, where he saved Willie Clemons’ penalty, repeatedly denied Adam Mills and produced an outstanding stop from Fraser Alexander on his way to the Man of the Match award. 

His influence was equally significant in the FA Cup. King made a vital save to preserve the two-goal cushion against Royston Town, then helped withstand Harleston’s second-half pressure before saving a free-kick in the 93rd minute to protect a 2-1 lead. Those interventions were central to the Pirates’ progress into the Third Qualifying Round. 

Drew Richardson

Richardson combined his defensive responsibilities with a willingness to support the attack throughout September, starting all three league victories and both successful FA Cup ties.

His Man of the Match performance against Redditch United highlighted that influence. Our captain tested the goalkeeper from distance before making the forward run and firing the shot that Jordan Ponticelli followed up to score the winner. His determination to keep pushing helped turn an early setback into three points. 

Richardson continued to offer a threat in subsequent matches, forcing a save at Stourbridge and attempting a volley as the Pirates searched for a third goal at Harleston. He also came off the bench to replace the injured Benji Mensah against Wingate & Finchley, contributing across a month that brought five victories from six fixtures. 

Ben Stevens

Stevens provided a sustained attacking threat across September, contributing through goals, deliveries and shots that created opportunities for his teammates.

His involvement began in the FA Cup victory over Royston Town, where his blocked effort fell to Archie Jones for the Pirates’ second goal. He then forced saves against Redditch United and Harleston Town before combining a goal with an assist in the 4-1 win at Stourbridge. Having struck the post and twice been denied by the goalkeeper, Stevens found the bottom corner before setting up Conor Tee for the fourth. 

Even in the defeat to Wingate & Finchley, Stevens remained a threat, forcing a save and curling an effort against the post. He finished the month with another important creative contribution, delivering the cross for Sam Cartwright to head the Pirates in front against Leiston. His influence across both competitions made him a strong contender for September’s award.

Have your say

Who gets your vote for September’s Player of the Month? Choose from Josh Allen, Craig King, Drew Richardson and Ben Stevens. Vote below.